24/7 Guided

Signature

Signature

We use premium hotels that are unique expressions of the region. Often they’ve had a previous life as a monastery or a castle, but in every case they offer an exceptionally comfortable stay.

Bistro

These are stylish 4-star properties that offer a casual and comfortable stay. Often without a 24-hour concierge or room service, they tend to be smaller family-run hotels that are perfect for the region.

Level

Recreational

X

Occasional

“I can’t say I really ‘work out,’ but I’m in good shape and am relatively active.”

Recreational

“I enjoy a good walk or ride, and feel comfortable while on the move.”

Enthusiast

“I get moving at least once a week, and don’t mind a little sweat.”

Avid

“I get moving a few times per week and enjoy some exertion.”

Expert

“I want to feel invigorated each day and going hard is how I like to do that.”

Pedalling the regal playground

Visiting the Loire Valley with your kids is akin to a trip through a fairy tale. The backyard to royalty since the Middle Ages, you’ll love the “garden of France” for its verdant forests, impenetrable solitude and centuries-old elegance. The kids will love it for the canoeing, the swordplay (supervised and totally safe, we promise!) and the sprawling fields of sunflowers fit for a romp. Together you’ll love it for the great food, fantastic biking and the luxury château. Everybody wins!

*The activities on our Loire Valley Family Adventure trip are recommended for children age 5 years and older.

Limited Space / Waitlist

Loire Valley Family Adventure

Your private Loire Valley Family Adventure trip

At B&R we make it incredibly easy for you to journey with your friends, family, colleagues or on your own. Create your own private trip by taking over one of our dates—or we can request a fresh one. Prices are sliding scale to suit the number of travellers. Interested in tweaking the itinerary? We can do that too. Ask us for details!

Day by Day

Ride along the majestic Loire River to the Castle of Villandry before the kids head off to make bird houses with a local naturalist while parents keep riding.

Ride through the idyllic landscape of the Indre Valley towards the 16thC medieval village of Crissay sur Manse, considered one of the most beautiful villages in France. This afternoon, parents bike to the hotel for some relaxation before a gastronomic experience at the hotel’s restaurant, while the kids will be whisked off for some horseback riding.

Kids have a short ride before hopping on canoes to drift down the Vienne River towards Chinon. Parents bike to the same city, stopping to enjoy a wine tasting along the way. Lunch will be on board the traditional boat “La Chinonaise.”

Visit the Royal Abbey of Fontévraud and enjoy a spectacular picnic lunch in a privately owned Chapel from the 12thC. Later, kids experience the rope course in St Benoit la Fôret and everyone enjoys a Michelin-starred dinner.

Adults and kids enjoy a beautiful ride to the châteaux of Ussé and Langeais. In the afternoon, while parents keep biking, kids try their hand at fencing with a fully-qualified national fencing master.

Enjoy a farewell breakfast at the hotel in Saint Patrice, then au revoir in St-Pierre-des-Corps for connections to Paris.

Hotels

Domaine de La Tortinière, Montbazon

We not only feel welcomed at the intimate Château La Tortinière, but very special when we’re there—especially since this immaculately restored 18thC castle seems straight out of a fairy tale. The château offers views over a private park in which some rare plants and trees (A 200 years old Lebanese Cedar for example) are hidden. View hotel website »

Château de Rochecotte, Saint-Patrice

An immaculately restored 18thC château, the Rochecotte is set in a lovely, peaceful park and is straight out of a fairy tale. A number of political, Aristocratic and literacy figures have stayed there such Balzac, the Prince of Talleyrand and even King Georges VI of England! View hotel website »

Château de Marçay, Chinon

Built in the 15thC on the ruins of an 11thC fortress, this calm and serene property was developed into a hotel and restaurant which opened to the public in 1973. Now forming an island of greenery in the Chinon countryside, Château de Marçay offers 33 unique rooms decorated in a haute époque style, with scenic views of the park, the main courtyard, and the vineyards. View hotel website »

Read about hotels

This was our first group bike trip so we did not know what to expect. Every aspect created life long memories. But all of this was made even better by our guides—they were great with us and our children. We had four other wonderful families in our group. We and our children made new life-long friendships with them. All of this together resulted in a family experience we will cherish forever.

— Mike Dodson

We never wanted to be the biggest travel company in the world, just the best. — George Butterfield

Recreational

While most of the riding is on gently rolling terrain, there are occasional hills. The average daily riding distance is 47 km (29 mi.) for adults, with longer and shorter options. The average daily riding distance for kids is 17 km (11 mi.). Parents may opt to join alternative afternoon activities, thus shortening daily rides. The activities on this trip are geared for children 5 years old and up with the exception of the canoe excursion wherein children must be at least 6 years old; the younger children may need to use a trailer or child tandem.

The Traveller

“I ride my bike once or twice a month and am comfortable on two wheels.”

The Terrain

Relatively flat but will include inclines and the occasional climb or two.

What’s included? Everything you need. Plus everything you’d want. Plus a few things you never knew you wanted ‘til you got them.

In a word: everything. In ninety words? Signature B&R guides; local experts; unique, unforgettable biking and walking routes; private tours; authentic local cuisine; lessons and demonstrations; local artisanal wines; wine tastings; all victuals and libations; all the endorphins you can handle; new insight; interesting, fun and like-minded travel companions; a feeling of total freedom. In short: an extraordinary, hassle-free journey of discovery.

Five nights hotel accommodation

All breakfasts, four lunches, four dinners, including wine

Services of B&R guides and support vans— there are extra vans and guides family trips for more support

Kids’ supervised activities

All special events and private tours

Use of a customized hybrid or a racing bike with drop bars, equipped with handlebar bag and helmet

Children’s equipment, including tandems, trailers, helmets and bikes (Please note: parents wishing to pull a tandem or trailer must use a hybrid bike)

The Bikes

You can’t enjoy a great biking trip without a really great bike. On this trip you’ll be riding a customized hybrid or a racing bike with drop bars. We also equip you with handlebar bag, helmet and water bottle.Check out our bikes

Racing Bike

Hybrid Bike

Sometimes your B&R trip simply isn’t long enough! Extend your stay for the best vacation possible. If you wish to spend a few days in region either before or after your official B&R trip, and need assistance making those plans, your B&R Travel Advisor can help. Call us to help you create an independent travel experience that fits your needs—if you desire, we can also arrange for a local guide.